South Africa and Afghanistan are set to clash in Group B’s first match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Stadium, Karachi. With both teams eager to start their campaign on a winning note, this encounter promises to be an exciting one. Afghanistan, having won eight of their last ten ODIs, will be confident, especially after a series win over South Africa in Sharjah last year. Meanwhile, the Proteas are back at full strength and determined to regain their form after recent struggles. Afghanistan is the real dark horse in these spin-friendly conditions.
South Africa vs Afghanistan Match Details: ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Match: South Africa vs Afghanistan, 1st Match, Group B, ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Date & Time: Friday, February 21, 2025, 2:00 PM Local Time (2:30 PM IST)
- Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
- Live Streaming: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar
National Stadium Pitch Report & Weather Conditions
- Pitch Type: Flat track, ideal for batting, but slows down in the second innings.
- Average First Innings Score: 306 (Since May 2023)
- Recent Trends: Pacers enjoy early swing; spinners struggle for purchase.
- Winning Strategy: Teams batting first have won four out of the last six ODIs played here.
Pace vs Spin in Karachi ODIs Since 2023
| Type | Balls | Runs | Wickets | Strike Rate | Economy | 4w/5w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacers | 877 | 976 | 26 | 33.7 | 6.67 | 1/0 |
| Spinners | 870 | 761 | 12 | 72.5 | 5.24 | 0/0 |
South Africa vs Afghanistan Probable Playing XI
Afghanistan (AFG) Probable Playing XI:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Rahmat Shah
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Gulbadin Naib
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Noor Ahmad
South Africa (RSA) Playing XI:
- Ryan Rickelton(w)
- Tony de Zorzi
- Temba Bavuma(c)
- Rassie van der Dussen
- Aiden Markram
- David Miller
- Wiaan Mulder
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
Key Players to Watch Out For: AFG vs SA
Afghanistan:
- Rashid Khan: 9 wickets in 4 matches vs SA, avg 14.55, SR 23.
- Azmatullah Omarzai: 2 fifties in 4 ODIs vs SA, SR 106.59.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi: 33 wickets in 29 ODIs since 2023, economy 6.05.
South Africa:
- Kagiso Rabada: 27 wickets in 16 ODIs since 2023, economy 5.23.
- Heinrich Klaasen: 53.25 average in 28 ODIs since 2023.
- Marco Jansen: Handy all-rounder, incisive with new ball, can hit big.
South Africa vs Afghanistan Dream11 Fantasy Team Prediction
Wicketkeepers:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batters:
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Temba Bavuma
- Aiden Markram
All-rounders:
- Azmatullah Omarzai (C)
- Rashid Khan (VC)
- Marco Jansen
- Wiaan Mulder
Bowlers:
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Kagiso Rabada
- Keshav Maharaj
Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:
- Captain: Azmatullah Omarzai
- Vice-Captain: Rashid Khan
- Alternative Choices: Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen
South Africa vs Afghanistan Match Prediction & Winning Tips
Afghanistan, having dominated South Africa in recent encounters, will be confident. However, the return of key South African players evens the contest.
- If Afghanistan bats first: A target of 270+ will challenge South Africa.
- If South Africa bats first: They must capitalize on the flat pitch and score at least 320.
Winning Prediction: A close contest, but South Africa holds a slight edge with their experience and full-strength squad.
South Africa vs Afghanistan Live Streaming: Where to watch ICC Champions Trophy
Where to Watch? Star Sports Network, JioHotstar.
